Joseph W. Hooper

Joseph W Hooper ("Joe"), although too good for this world, arrived on June 1, 1946 to Ruby Hooper and was destined to be great. He encountered some heavy challenges but it led him to spending the last 40 years of his life with his guardian, Jean Brochu, surrounded by love and support from her and her extended family. Despite the adversity and heartache of his early years, he would go on to spread smiles, giggles, and hugs to all of his "favorites" (aka everyone) in the area. Joe liked to pass the time watching game shows, playing "Sorry", collecting change, and listening to the telephone flea market. He also enjoyed riding his trike around the town of Rochester to patrol the area and frequent his favorite establishments for sweet treats and pretty girls. His favorite color was purple, he carried a photo album full of pictures of all his "daughters",  he was always mad when it rained (because he couldn't ride his trike) and if your radio wasn't on the oldies, he'd ask "you like dat junk?". Joe genuinely loved children, was particularly gentle with them, and tried hard to make them laugh. He also used to enjoy collecting money for the Jerry Luis Marathon - thousands raised by Mr. Hooper himself. Most local residents have at least one memory of Joe but many have countless more; he was known as somewhat of a local celebrity, legend, or icon. He would often greet people with a "hey I know you.. memba me?" He took great pride in his "job" at Wild Willy's of Rochester where he was very well loved. His carefree attitude, limitless love, and insatiable desire to make people smile is something the world needs more of. Although he had promised us another 30 years (always telling us he would live to 105), he was called home to be in the arms of the Lord on July 28, 2021, peacefully, comfortably, and in the company of loved ones. A void will forever exist in his physical absence but he will live on in our hearts until the end of time. He is survived by his guardian Jean Brochu and her husband Doug Brochu; his siblings, Virginia Portigue and her husband Herbert Portigue, Roy Brochu, Wayne Carter and wife Jackie Carter, Mark Brochu, Jeanine Carter and fiancé Bob Russell, Doug Brochu Jr. and wife Stacia Brochu, Irene Lancaster and husband Joe Lancaster; his "nieces and nephews" Brittney Carter and her fiancé Levi Welder, Ashley Carter and her fiancé Nick Lytle, Nia Amero and her fiancé David Stevens, Sarah Barrett, John Tarr, Rebecca Barrett, David Tarr, Savannah Barrett, Adriyn Russell and Addisyn Russell; his "great nieces and nephew" Branson Carter, Gianna Amero, Audry Stevens, Nevaeh Souders, Natalie Lawrence, Luanna Lytle, and Laney Stevens; all is "Daughtas" in the local community; and his loyal cat Sassy. He was predeceased by his mother Ruby Hooper. Calling hours will be held at Edgerly's Funeral Home in Rochester NH on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 10am, followed by his burial. A celebration of life is planned TBD; logistical details will be shared once finalized and posted at the service. While flowers are welcome (especially purple ones), we hope to create a memorial for Joe as a permanent site in the town of Rochester to keep his memory alive; Donations are being accepted via a GoFundMe account or in person at the services. We would like to thank everyone who gave Joe even a moment of your time; it meant the world to him and he meant the world to us.